Burda News Group goes digital

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Burda News Group goes digital

The last presentation on Tuesday of the E-publishing technologies session 2 at the SoLoMo Media Port featured a look at the digital strategy of Burda News Group, a German magazine publisher that was looking for an easy and effective ePaper and tablet solution.

Gregor Haake, Burda's Senior Product Manager Digital, said they were looking for a solution that could be done by the inhouse editorial staff quickly. They made the decision to opt for a easy-to-use product that wouldn't overwhelm the readers with too many features, besides the option to share content on social media and via e-mail.

Burda's Focus sister magazines Focus Money and Focus Gesundheit have already been realised with PressMatrix, who offer a cross-publishing solution that suited their specific needs. And even though you might argue that the publisher is not making the most out of the digital platforms strengths like video, audio and interactivity, their digital publications can be considered successful.

Launched in May 2013, the app of the health magazine Focus Gesundheit was downloaded 60,000 times with more than 7,000 issues downloaded in the app, while figures for the business mag Focus Money are 6,000 app downloads, with 2,000 in-app purchases since July 2013.

Haake concluded: "The expectations of the audience are very high. It was important for Focus to react fast and have our range of mags online. The readers are pleased with our solution and appreciate the fact that they are able to access the digital edition 24 hours before the printed version." Print subscribers get the digital version for free.

Sessions will continue Wednesday at the Social-Local-Mobile Media Port stage, click here for the full programme.